Are you a fan of selfies? Then maybe you need to take a look at yourself and consider if you have a genuine condition.

In 2014, a hoax story did the rounds claiming a mental health condition called 'selfitis' had been recognised by the American Psychiatric Association.

But now a study carried out by East Midlands experts alongside Indian researchers has found that the disorder is a genuine condition.

Researchers at Nottingham Trent University and the Thiagarajar School of Management in India have confirmed its existence - and developed the ‘Selfitis Behaviour Scale’ which can be used to assess its severity, reports the Nottingham Post .

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The findings, published in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction confirmed that there are three levels of selfitis:

Borderline : Taking photos of yourself at least three times a day but not posting them on social media

Acute : Taking photos of yourself at least three times a day and posting each one on social media

Chronic : Uncontrollable urge to take photos of yourself round the clock and posting the photos on social media more than six times a day.

Six motivating factors were identified, with selfitis sufferers typically seeking to increase their self-confidence, seek attention, improve their mood, connect with the environment around them (to create a record of memories), increase their conformity with the social group around them, as well as being socially competitive.

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The prevalence of these factors determined the level of selfitis severity.

The scale was developed using a large number of focus groups with 200 participants, and the scale was tested via a survey of 400 participants.

Taking selfies on the ice rink in 2015

Participants were based in India because the country has the most users on Facebook, as well as the highest number of deaths as a result of trying to take selfies in dangerous locations.

Dr Mark Griffiths, distinguished professor of behavioural addiction in Nottingham Trent University’s Psychology Department, said: “A few years ago, stories appeared in the media claiming that the condition of selfitis was to be classed as a mental disorder by the American Psychiatric Association.

"Whilst the story was revealed to be a hoax, it didn’t mean that the condition of selfitis didn’t exist.

"We have now appeared to confirm its existence and developed the world’s first Selfitis Behaviour Scale to assess the condition.”

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Research colleague Dr Janarthanan Balakrishnan said: “Typically, those with the condition suffer from a lack of self-confidence and are seeking to ‘fit in’ with those around them, and may display symptoms similar to other potentially addictive behaviours.

"Now the existence of the condition appears to have been confirmed, it is hoped that further research will be carried out to understand more about how and why people develop this potentially obsessive behaviour, and what can be done to help people who are the most affected.”